(Seattle Sept. 26 2011) Jones…
(Seattle – Sept. 26 2011) — Jones
International Groups, Inc., has agreed to pay $17,000 for failing
to comply with requirements related to the export of universal
waste (spent lead-acid batteries) to Hong Kong through the Port of
Portland, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
On September 7, 2009, Jones International
Groups, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, arranged for the export of
approximately 129 spent lead acid batteries destined for Hong Kong.
These batteries had been incorrectly identified in shipping
paperwork as “mixed metal scrap” and the shipment did
not identify the materials as either a hazardous waste or a
“universal waste,” a waste designation provided for
under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The
shipment was returned to the United States upon discovery of the
true contents of the containers by Hong Kong
officials.
“Companies that collect discarded
universal waste must be held accountable to manage these wastes in
compliance with our laws which ensure that they will be properly
handled, and not sent abroad to countries that have not agreed to
receive waste from the U.S.” said Edward Kowalski,
EPA’s Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in
Seattle.
EPA determined that the company violated several
federal hazardous waste management requirements designed to ensure
the proper management and transport of universal wastes.
Importantly, the company failed to provide EPA with prior notice of
its intent to export the waste to Hong Kong and, consequently,
bypassed the process required for Hong Kong to consent to receive
universal waste from the U.S. before it can leave the
country.
Export of wastes containing lead to other
countries without proper controls in place can expose others to
harmful effects. Exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects
on a child's development and behavior. Exposure to lead may cause
problems with learning and reading, delayed growth and hearing
loss. At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and
even death.
Lead-acid batteries are secondary, wet cell
batteries, meaning they can be recharged for many uses and they
contain liquid. They are the most widely used rechargeable battery
in the world. Spent lead-acid batteries are either recycled or
disposed.
Universal waste is subject to regulation under
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
More information on universal waste, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/land-waste-and-cleanup-topics
More information on Jones International Groups,
Inc., visit: https://www.exportglobal.com/index.html
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